Questions And Answers

General

Do you have to play in Schaumburg to participate in the Academy program?

No, players may be selected from all locations; however, they will train in Schaumburg. The Academy is a unique program that is a ten month season. Per US Soccer’s mandate, players who participate in the Academy are not allowed to play high school soccer.

With multiple teams at the same age, do you expect them to play each other?

Does Sockers FC discourage playing high school soccer? Is there a year round option?

Players are not discouraged to play high school soccer as we fully support players' individual decisions. Sockers FC continues to offer its Top Talent program which is an alternative to high school soccer.

Are players required to purchase and wear all uniform items?

How much are membership fees?

When players register for tryouts, fee information is sent to them through the club electronic system. Current players receive their invite to pre-register with fee structures in the middle of the spring season. Membership fees differ by location and age group.

Who is the webmaster to add, edit or correct information?

What is MySAM?

MySAM is an online registration system that Sockers FC uses to publish programs, regulate registration and accept payments. All programs, tryouts, camps and clinics are posted within MySAM for enrollment.

When does the soccer year finish?

For most players, the soccer year usually finishes around the last weekend in June. Regional and National competition is played in July; players selected for these rosters will continue to play into July.

What is the "My Team Events" calendar?

The My Team Events calendar is an online tool available to all players and families so that they have up to date information on club or player logistics. It can be displayed in several different formats; player age group, individual staff member or by location. The calendar is then broken down further into specific rostered events.

What type of college recruitment initiatives does Sockers have?

High School players have the opportunity to participate in up to five specific college recruitment events that are operated by the club. These events are in addition to their regularly rostered and scheduled team events. Over the years, Sockers FC has created strong connections to local and national institutions built on Alumni recruitment, as well as staff member relationships. The club offers ACT prep course opportunities and meets with players and families individually to build a plan unique to them.

Do teams train alone, with a pool of players or with another age group?

Will my team be pooled with any other teams?

Teams are formed in age groups. Age groups practice at the same time and location; respecting an element of training with player ability, it is possible they would be pooled together from time to time.

Do you have set roster sizes for different age groups?

Is performance training offered to players?

How does Sockers FC assure that all teams get the same training in all 3 locations?

The technical advisory committee has an educational piece that all coaches will partake in to have a consistent Sockers concept throughout our 3 locations. Coaches will meet on weekly basis to exchange ideas and methods to implement this concept.

How are coaches assigned to teams?

Does Sockers FC run a summer program?

Yes, two nights a week in July per location are usually designated for the summer program that involves pickup games, scrimmages, skills training and conditioning. The club also operates soccer camps in the summer.

What type of goalkeeping program is offered?

Goalkeepers (GK) have a chance to practice up to 5 times a week depending on season and schedules. There are usually 2-3 GK specific sessions a week in addition to team trainings. GK coaches travel with teams to games; providing individual performance and development evaluations. Staff members discuss individual training and college recruitment plans to aid each GK.

Tryouts

How do players tryout?

In order to tryout, players must create an account on our MySAM system; then register for an available time and date that coordinates to their age group. Once registered, players will participate and be evaluated alongside current Sockers members. When the tryout is completed, certain players are selected by staff to join the age group.

What should I bring to a tryout?

How do I find out my tryout results?

Players will be contacted via email after the tryout has been completed; in some cases the player may be invited back to make sure the group that they will be training with is a good fit. Unfortunately, due to current player practices, coach's schedules and the number of players trying out each night, we cannot individually speak to all families on the same night.

If I had a successful tryout, what next?

Families should register with the club, make their deposit and submit appropriate paperwork as soon as possible. By doing so, this will secure their offered position. Coaches will then be in contact with registered players and communicate the upcoming practice schedule.

What are the membership fees after tryout?

Can I tryout at any time during the year?

Players can tryout at any time during the soccer year and join the club; however, players that are currently registered with other US Club programs will have to have signed permission to do so. Tryouts for the following soccer year usually commence in the spring season.